Ice and material removal apparatus

ABSTRACT

An ice removal apparatus that is configured to facilitate the removal of ice from a surface such as but not limited to a sidewalk or driveway. The present invention includes a head portion configured to be superposed a surface having a handle portion extending upwards therefrom to facilitate operation of the ice removal apparatus by a user. The head portion includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body is formed in a triangular from with the point proximate the first end. The body is further formed to have a thickness proximate the first end that is greater than that of the second end wherein the body is sloped downward from the first end to the second end. The body includes a centerline having opposing lateral sections with respect thereto. The opposing lateral section slope downward from the centerline to opposing lateral edges.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to debris removal, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an ice removal apparatus that is configured to facilitate the removal of ice and other materials such as but not limited to tile from surfaces such as but not limited to concrete floors, sidewalks and driveways wherein the present invention provides removal of ice in large segments and provides effective penetration underneath the surface of the ice.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, living in colder climates presents challenges to individuals during the winter time season. One such challenge is the removal of ice and snow. For the latter, individuals will typically employ the use of either a snow blower or a snow shovel in order to facilitate the removal of snow from areas such as but not limited to driveways and sidewalks. While the snow removal is effective utilizing the aforementioned implements there are challenges involved in removing ice from surfaces such as but not limited to driveways and sidewalks.

One issue with existing ice removal devices is that the surfaces and/or tool heads thereof are flat. While the existing technology typically provides a blade like structure, these are square and are difficult for a user to penetrate a thick layer of ice. Often an ice layer that is several inches thick can form on the surfaces of driveways and sidewalks. These ice layers present a serious hazard to individuals and as such it is desirable that they are removed. In order to provide effective removal, an individual must scrape the ice adjacent to the surface on which the ice is formed. As mentioned, existing tools while somewhat effective do not facilitate efficient removal of ice and the individual utilizing these tools is thus required to put in significant effort to achieve the desired removal of ice.

Accordingly, there is a need for an ice removal apparatus that is configured to penetrate underneath the layer of ice and provide fracture thereof so as to facilitate removal of large fragments wherein the present invention further provides a vibratory element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an ice removal apparatus that is configured to facilitate removal of a layer of ice on a surface wherein the present invention includes a handle portion and a head portion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ice and material removal apparatus that is operable to provide removal of ice and other materials from layer surfaces such as but not limited to driveways and floors wherein the head unit is manufactured from metal or similar object and is triangular in shape.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an ice removal apparatus that is configured to facilitate removal of a layer of ice on a surface wherein the head unit of the present invention includes a raised upper surface wherein the raised upper surface slopes downward to opposing lateral edges.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an ice and material removal apparatus that is operable to provide removal of ice and other materials from layer surfaces such as but not limited to driveways and floors wherein the head unit includes forward lateral edges that are serrated.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an ice removal apparatus that is configured to facilitate removal of a layer of ice on a surface wherein the head unit further includes at least one vibratory motor.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an ice and material removal apparatus that is operable to provide removal of ice and other materials from layer surfaces such as but not limited to driveways and floors wherein the head unit includes forward edges that are tapered in form.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ice removal apparatus that is configured to facilitate removal of a layer of ice on a surface wherein the head unit includes a power supply operably coupled to the vibratory motor.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an ice and material removal apparatus that is operable to provide removal of ice and other materials from layer surfaces such as but not limited to driveways and floors wherein the handle unit extends upward and rearward from the head unit and includes a hand engagement portion at the distal end thereof.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the head portion of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a side view of the head portion of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an ice removal apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the ice removal apparatus 100 includes a handle portion 10 wherein the handle portion 10 is elongated in manner and includes a first end 11 and a second end 12. The handle portion 10 is manufactured from a suitable rigid material such as but not limited to metal or wood. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the handle portion 10 could be provided in various lengths but the preferred embodiment is sufficient in length wherein the user of the ice removal apparatus 100 can operate the ice removal apparatus 100 in a standing position. Located at the first end 11 is hand engagement section 15 wherein the hand engagement section 15 is perpendicular to the handle portion 10 having segments 16,17 extending outward. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the hand engagement section 15 could be provided in numerous embodiments and is operable to facilitate a user apply leverage to the ice removal apparatus 100 during use thereof for removing ice from a desired surface. While not illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the handle portion 10 could have located thereon a power switch for operation of the vibratory motor 60 (further discussed herein).

The ice removal apparatus 100 includes a head portion 20. The head portion 20 is configured to be placed on a surface such as but not limited to a sidewalk or driveway surface and facilitate removal of ice therefrom. The head portion 20 is manufactured from a dense heavy material such as but not limited to metal. It is desired within the scope of the present invention that the head portion 20 be of suitable size and weight to maintain engagement with the surface on which the head portion 20 has been superposed. Furthermore, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the head portion 20 could be provided in alternate sizes and weights. The head portion 20 includes a first end 21 and a second end 22. The body 25 of the head portion 20 is shaped such that the upper surface 30 of the body 25 slopes downward from the first end 21 to the second end 22 providing a tapered profile for the body 25 wherein the body 25 has a height at the first end 21 that is greater than that of the height at the second end 22.

The body 25 further includes a centerline 35 extending between the first end 21 and second end 22. The centerline 35 divides the body 25 into a first lateral section 40 and a second lateral section 45. The body 25 is shaped that the upper surface 30 of the first lateral section 40 slopes downward from the centerline 35 to the first lateral edge 70. Additionally, the upper surface 30 of the second lateral section 45 slopes downward from the centerline 35 to the second lateral edge 80 so as to create a shape for the upper surface 30 of the body 25 having opposing slopes thereto wherein the first lateral section 40 and second lateral section 45 slope downward away from each other. This shape provides a desired directional movement of ice fragments as the ice removal apparatus 100 is utilized to remove ice from a surface. During use the shape of the first lateral section 40 and the second lateral section 45 will move ice fragments to either side of the head portion 20 providing an ability to continue forward movement of the ice removal apparatus 100. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the angles of the upper surface 30 of the first lateral section 40 and second lateral section 45 could vary in order to achieve the desired results discussed herein.

The first lateral section 40 includes leading edge 41 wherein the leading edge 41 includes portion 42 that is tapered in shape. The leading edge 41 further includes serrations 43 extending from the point 37 and rearward along the leading edge 41 along a portion thereof. The serrations 43 includes teeth like formations being manufactured from sharp metal or similar material and are operable to assist in the cutting, breaking and removal of ice from a surface. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the leading edge 41 could be provided with no serrations 43. The second lateral section 45 includes leading edge 46 wherein the leading edge 46 includes portion 47 that is tapered in shape. The leading edge 46 further includes serrations 48 extending from the point 37 and rearward along the leading edge 46 along a portion thereof. The serrations 48 includes teeth like formations being manufactured from sharp metal or similar material and are operable to assist in the cutting, breaking and removal of ice from a surface. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the leading edge 46 could be provided with no serrations 48.

The ice removal apparatus 100 further includes a vibratory motor 60. The vibratory motor 60 is disposed within the body 25 and is a conventional vibratory motor that is configured to provide vibrations through the body 25. The vibratory motor 60 provides assistance in fracturing of ice during use of the ice removal apparatus 100. The vibratory motor 60 is conventionally powered utilizing either an AC or DC power source (not particularly illustrated herein). It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the ice removal apparatus 100 could employ more than one vibratory motor 60 and alternate locations within the body 25 could be utilized. Secured to the bottom 5 of the body 25 are movement members 90. The movement members 90 are recessed into the bottom 5 of the body 25 so as to ensure that the bottom 5 of the body 25 does not sit more than a few millimeters above the surface on which the head portion 20 is superposed. The movement members 90 enable a user to roll the head portion 20 with more ease. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the movement members 90 could be constructed in numerous alternate manners in order to achieve the desired objective of facilitating easier movement of the head portion 20.

While the body 25 in a preferred embodiment is triangular shaped, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternate shapes could be utilized for the body 25 such as but not limited to a wedge shape design. While two opposing sloped lateral sections are disclosed in the preferred embodiment, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 25 could have a single sloped section or more than two sloped sections on the upper surface operable to move ice fragments laterally as the head portion 20 dislodges ice from a surface.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ice and material removal apparatus configured to remove ice and material superposed on a surface wherein the ice and material removal apparatus further comprises: a head portion, said head portion having a body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body having an upper surface and a lower surface, said body having a thickness proximate said first end that is greater than a thickness at said second end, said second end being shaped to have a point, said upper surface having a centerline extending from said first end to said second end, said upper surface having a first lateral section and a second lateral section on opposing sides of said centerline; and a handle portion, said handle portion being elongated in shape, said handle portion having a first end and a second end, said first end of said handle portion being secured to said first end of said body.
 2. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first lateral section slopes downward from said centerline towards a first lateral edge.
 3. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said first lateral edge includes a forward segment, said forward segment being tapered.
 4. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said second lateral section slopes downward from said centerline towards a second lateral edge.
 5. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said second lateral edge includes a forward segment, said forward segment of said second lateral edge is tapered.
 6. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 5, and further including at least one vibratory motor, said at least one vibratory motor being disposed in said body, said at least one vibratory motor operable to produce vibrations through said body.
 7. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said forward segment of said second lateral edge further includes serrations formed thereon.
 8. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said body is manufactured from metal.
 9. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said forward segment of said first lateral edge further includes serrations formed thereon.
 10. The ice and material removal apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said handle portion further includes a hand engagement section, said hand engagement section being secured to said second end of said handle portion.
 11. An ice removal apparatus configured to remove ice superposed on a surface wherein the ice removal apparatus further comprises: a head portion, said head portion having a body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body having an upper surface and a lower surface, said body having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge on opposing sides of said body, said body having a thickness proximate said first end that is greater than a thickness at said second end, said second end being shaped to have a point, said upper surface having a centerline extending from said first end to said second end, said upper surface having a first lateral section and a second lateral section on opposing sides of said centerline, said first lateral section being sloped in manner wherein said first lateral section of said upper surface slopes downward from said centerline to said first lateral edge, said second lateral section of said upper surface being sloped downwards from said centerline towards said second lateral edge; and a handle portion, said handle portion being elongated in shape, said handle portion having a first end and a second end, said first end of said handle portion being secured to said first end of said body.
 12. The ice removal apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said second lateral edge and said first lateral edge include serrations formed on a portion thereof.
 13. The ice removal apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein said body is triangular in shape.
 14. The ice removal apparatus as recited in claim 13, and further including at least one vibratory motor, said at least one vibratory motor being disposed in said body, said at least one vibratory motor operable to produce vibrations through said body.
 15. The ice removal apparatus as recited in claim 14, and further including at least one movement member, said at least one movement member being located on said lower surface of said body, said at least one movement member operable to reduce friction between said lower surface of said body and the surface on which the body is superposed. 